This month’s three way features a sweater vest. Love the unfinished preppy look that a classic sweater vest brings; especially in bright colors. The key to pulling off this look is not to put too much thought into it. To look stylish, it has to look effortless. And avoid wearing corduroy (it’s cliched and you run the risk of looking like Chandler from Friends! ). Instead of your basic blazer, pair a colorful sweater vest and a striped shirt with slacks and I guarantee you’ll turn a few heads at the office. For a cozy-cool look, pair a sweater vest with your favorite jeans and a plain white tee. For a tougher more quirky vibe, wear it over a hoodie, twist on a scarf and throw on a pair of boots. Tell me what do you think of the sweater vest… yay or nay?

Update: The winner of the Audrey bag is Cynthia with the following comment: “I ‘like’ Gigi Hill and Fashiongrail on Facebook – Cynthia M Richardson.” Congratulations Cynthia and thank you all for participating!

I love it when I come across a company started by working mom’s like myself that just “gets it” when it comes to what women want. Last week I was sent the ‘Audrey’ Gigi Hill Bag to review and I was shocked at how versatile, functional and BIG it was without sacrificing any sense of style. In each bag there is a pocket for everything (from water bottles to cell phones and lipstick) and it’s roomy enough to fit in extras like heels, a small clutch or heck even an entire outfit if you’re going out after work!

They come in tons of affordable fabrics making it THE bag for the office, shopping, travel or even in place of a baby bag! I chose the black bag for myself and for the giveaway (it matches everything and never goes out of style!). Check out some of my favorites below.

How to win the Audrey bag:

Head on over to Gigi Hill and tell us which is your favorite bag and why. For an extra entry tweet the contest and tell us below that you did. For a third entry, post on Fashiongrail’s or Gigi Hill’s Facebook wall sharing your pick and why (again let us know you did in the comments below). For an extra entry tweet the giveaway or ‘like’ Gigi Hill and Fashiongrail on Facebook (make sure you state that you did below). One random winner will be chosen on December 21st. Gigi Hill will ship bag directly to winner. U.S. residents only.

Update: the winner of the Ohm beads is April with the following comment: “I like the March Birthstone bead!!” Congratulations April!

When it comes to charms, Ohm Beads is unparalleled in design and intricacy. Designed to ‘wear your story,’ these superior quality silver and 14k gold beads come in various themes and styles you want to show off every aspect of your personality or commemorate special moments like the upcoming holidays!

The premium beads they offer are especially exquisite and made with Swarovski crystals, enamel, Murano glass and even come in pave style. Show your passion for poker with the “Lucky Hand” bead, or your love for the make-believe with the “Tribal Unicorn.” There really is a charm for everyone!

The super cute beads slide on chic silver or gold bangles, braided leather bracelets and necklaces with beautiful snap clasps—making it really easy to switch them out for a layered, casual daytime look or the perfect accent to your sophisticated evening ensemble.

We’re offering three holiday Ohm Beads a birthday month and the second to be a choice of three beads, a red glass bead, ‘love birds’ or a snowflake along with a leather necklace to give away to special readers! The Holiday edition beads make a great stocking stuffer or a perfect way to get you in the spirit, not to mention great conversation starters for all the fabulous holiday parties around the corner!

How to win: Head on over to Ohm Beads and pick your favorite bead. Head on back to Fashiongrail and leave a comment on your pick and why. For extra entries tweet the contest (tweet as many times as you want, each tweet counts as an extra entry) or like Fashiongrail and Ohm Beads on Facebook and tell us below that you did . One random winner will be chosen on December 18. Ohm Beads will ship beads directly to winner. U.S. residents only.

Love Elizabeth Olsen’s laid back style and how her outfits always exude a polished ease. In this particular outfit she cleverly lets the blouse add the perfect dash of femininity to her overall masculine look. Get Elizabeth’s look for less with pieces from Target, Lulu’s and more!

As a working gal and mom, I’m a firm believer that a smartphone makes a smart mom. Whether it’s a runny nose or a bus running late, I personally use a variety of android apps to keep my day on track. Check out my top five favorite android apps for busy moms on the go!

1. Out of Milk: one of the best grocery/shopping list app’s out there. My favorite feature is the “pantry list,” which helps you keep track of items you already have at home. I hate buying things twice!

2. ShopSavvy: use the phone’s camera to scan the barcode of items to find out whether anyone is selling the same item for less, either locally or online. The app will show you a map of local stores that carry the item, and it gives you links to their websites and phone numbers. Hey, every dime counts!

3. Family GPS Tracker: allows you to see each family member’s location. Great app for family trips and those teenagers that keep trying sneak off!

4. Mint: I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always keep track of my spending. This app pulls all of your bank and credit card accounts into one place not only helping you keep track of your spending, but what’s available in each account.

5. Carr Matey: How many times have you walked out of a store and forgot where you parked? When you park the car, you simply open the app and select “Drop anchor” to mark your location. You have the option to set a timer—handy if you’re parking at a metered or limited-time spot—and to share your map location via e-mail. When it’s time to return to your car, select “Find vessel” and Carrr Matey guides you to it—or at least within sighting distance.

If you’re looking for an Android-powered smartphone at a great value, be sure to check out U.S. Cellular. They have the highest satisfaction rating of any national carrier and you earn rewards points to use on things like accessories and upgrading your phone sooner. Learn More

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by US Cellular via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of U.S. Cellular®”

Update: The winner of the $50 maurices gift card is Catherine, with the following comment: “The little black dress.” Congratulations Catherine!

Christopher Straub, fashion designer and former contestant on Project Runway Season 6, is launching an exclusive clothing and accessories line with specialty shop maurices.

To help celebrate the venture, are giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky Fashiongrail fan (instructions to enter below). Christopher’s line includes dresses, separates, and accessories, plus a signature fragrance and handbag. Prices range from $12 to $89 and is available online or at maurices locations near you. Check out my Q&A with Christopher below!

What was your fashion background prior to Project Runway?

I’ve always been an artist for as far back as I can remember. I’m a self-taught designer and before Project Runway I worked as a set designer for TV and as a fashion stylist.

How have things changed for you after Project Runway?

My world has changed because of my experience on Runway. I’m, now, able to work full-time as a fashion designer instead of it being just a hobby. My Christopher Straub for maurices Collection is an absolute “Dream come true” and it may not have been possible if not for Project Runway.

My all-time favorite designer is the late Alexander McQueen. He was a fashion genius who took risks and challenged the limits of the female form.

How to Win the $50 maurices Gift Card:

Head on over to maurices and pick your favorite piece from Christopher’s new line. Head on back to Fashiongrail and leave a comment on your pick. For extra entries tweet the contest and tell us below that you did (tweet as many times as you want, each tweet counts as an extra entry) One random winner will be chosen on December 11. Maurice will ship gift card directly to winner. U.S. residents only.

When the air is chilly and the sun is blotted from the sky, there’s nothing better than throwing on a pair of jeans, a hoodie and some comfy boots! Best of all there’s no need to sacrifice style on those no fuss days thanks to Bearpaw Footwear. Check out some of my favorites below!

A celebrity favorite (seen on Giuliana Rancic and Karina Smirnoff to name a few), Bearpaw’s new line marry the comfort of suede boots lined with sheepskin with a head-turning affordable style to make the perfect Holiday gift for anyone on your list (my kids love Bearpaw!). Ocelot, cheetah, zebra and floral designs have been embossed into the suede in contrasting colors, adding texture and sheen to reinvent the beloved closet staple. For more info visit www.Bearpawshoes.com

Love how Dianna Argon’s paired her pretty pleated skirt with a basic white tab button down and toughened it all up with black boots. You can easily dresss up the skirt with a black sequin tank or get even more casual quirky look with a cable knit sweater.Get Dianna’s ecletic look with pieces from Old Navy, Dorothy Perkins, Threadsence & more!